Introduction to Wikidata

Training for New Contributors

Learning objectives

• Create a Wikidata item
• Identify notable subjects
• Add statements and reference them properly.

What is Wikidata?

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• Wikidata is the central database that stores structured information.
• It stores data that can be used across Wikimedia projects. For example, if you look up a writer on Wikipedia, the data about their birth date or occupation often comes from Wikidata.
• It is free, multilingual, collaborative, and open to everyone

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Key Terms

• Wikidata Item (QID): A topic/entity (e.g., person, place, concept). Example: Q42(Douglas Adams)
• Property (PID): Describes a relationship or attribute. Example: “occupation” (P106)
• Statement: Property + Value. Example: occupation → Writer
• Value: The actual data (date, name, place)
• Reference: Source that verifies the statement (QID). Example: A published biography or reliable website

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Structure of Wikidata

Example:

Item: Mary John

Property: occupation

Value: journalist

Reference: news website

Item → Property → Value + Reference

Checking Notability Before Creating an Item

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• Wikidata items must be notable.
• Notability means:
• The subject is covered in reliable sources (books, academic articles, reputable news, official websites).
• The subject has recognized achievements or public relevance.
• Avoid private individuals or topics without verifiable coverage.
• If not notable → Do not create the item.

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Creating a Wikidata Item

• Go to “wikidata.org”
• Click on “Create a new Item”
• Fill in:
• Label (item name)
• Description (short explanation)
• Aliases (optional names)
• Click “Publish”

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Tip:

Always check if the item already exists before creating

Adding Statements

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Steps:

• Click “Add statement”
• Choose a Property (Occupation)
• Add a Value (Writer)
• Click Publish

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Adding References

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Steps:

• Click “Add reference”
• Type or search for Reference URL
• Click on Reference URL, paste the URL from the news paper website to the reference space
• Click on add and then add retrieve, to add the retrieval date

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Good Practices

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01

02

Always use reliable sources

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Avoid duplication of items

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03

Use clear and correct descriptions

04

Add references to every important statement

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05

Follow Wikidata property constraints

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Thank you very much!

Let’s Practice!